Plans to build a new care home opposite a university college have hit a setback after councillors refused to back the scheme. 

Torsion Care applied to build the 74-bed facility on land at Mount Oswald, Durham, opposite Durham University’s South College.

The proposed three-storey was recommended for approval by Durham County Council’s planning department but was opposed by committee members. 

Councillors warned the care home would negatively impact healthcare provision in the area and that the site’s proximity to the university was not appropriate.

The Northern Echo: The South College campus at Durham University The South College campus at Durham University (Image: The Northern Echo)Sarah Douglas, strategic commissioning manager in adult and health services at the council, warned of the impact the new site would have on existing care homes.

“It’s really important we help our existing providers to be sustainable,” she said. “Care homes are not the type of provision that we need any more of in County Durham. Any further care home creates further pressure on the NHS.” 

Claypath and University Medical Group also said it has significant concerns for the negative impact the proposal could have on their services. It cited the recent closure of the nearby Hallgarth Care Home, a smaller facility, in 2023 from a lack of demand, which aided its questions on the need for the proposed scheme.

“The practice would incur substantial costs to service nursing home residents’ additional needs,” a statement added. 

Prof Timothy Luckhurst, principal of South College, said he feared a conflict between student lifestyles and the expectations of families placing their aged relatives in residential care. The nearby bar is often busy with students and hosts events including graduations and formal dinners. 

He added: “I am anxious to ensure that South College students can continue to enjoy student life without inconveniencing or disturbing any neighbours.”

But Torsion Care told the meeting the new site would be of significant benefit to the local area and noise assessments have already been carried out. A statement added: “The development represents the opportunity to meet the growing care needs for an increasing elderly population.”

Roger Cornwill, of City of Durham Trust, spoke in favour of the proposal and said the reported capacity issue was a broader problem for the NHS and not unique to the local practice. 

However, the majority of members on the council’s planning committee weren’t convinced. They said the care home would negatively impact healthcare provision in the area and that the site’s proximity to the university was not appropriate.

Cllr Patricia Jopling said she was shocked to read the plans. “I am extremely worried about the doctor provision, which is already over subscribed.” she told members. “We do not need another care home.” 

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While sharing some concerns with the plans Nevilles Cross cllr Liz Brown voted for the proposal following advice from the council’s solicitor, who warned the council would likely lose at a planning appeal. 

Yet the majority of members backed a motion by cllr Angela Surtees which objected to the proposal based on the economic impact it would have on existing provision. 

Members voted to refuse the application by nine votes to three.